by: Ghanaian Nationals Association of Vicenza (GhanaVi) - APS | data 29/09/2026
For those of us in the Ghanaian diaspora, when the plane lands in Accra, we are not simply arriving at an airport. We are returning home. Accra is the gateway that brings us back to our families, our communities and our roots. But this home is increasingly exposed to the risk of flooding.
Every rainy season, Accra is hit by severe flooding: damaged homes,
disrupted roads, paralyzed businesses and, in the most tragic cases, loss of
life. In June 2026 alone, flash floods caused at
least 12 deaths. The heaviest burden falls above all on the most
vulnerable communities, particularly children, women and families facing
greater economic hardship.
In Ghana's capital, heavy rainfall can quickly turn into a major emergency.
Within just a few hours, water can flood streets, homes and businesses, isolate
entire neighborhoods and put the safety of thousands of people at risk.
The situation is exacerbated by inadequate or clogged drainage systems, waste accumulating in drainage channels and rapid urbanization. In many areas, water cannot drain properly and quickly builds up, causing flooding that is increasingly difficult to manage.
The consequences are particularly severe for the most vulnerable families, who may lose their homes, personal belongings, food supplies and sources of income. Flooded roads also make it difficult to reach schools, hospitals and workplaces, while contaminated water increases the risk of disease and serious public health and sanitation problems.
For this reason,GhanaVi - Ghanaian Nationals Association of Vicenza, together with its local partners Buz Stop Boys and GYEM - Ghana Youth Environmental Movement, aims to help strengthen flood prevention and promote a culture of safety in the Greater Accra Region, focusing on the areas of Lapaz, Ablekuma Curve, Kaneshie, Mallam and Kasoa.
The project's objective is to improve risk awareness and preparedness among young people, schools and local communities through awareness-raising activities, training and practical actions, with a particular focus on cleaning flood-prone areas, carried out in collaboration with local partners and community stakeholders.
With 6.000 € we can turn prevention into concrete action: identifying the areas most exposed to risk, informing and training communities, and implementing targeted interventions to reduce flood damage, starting with cleaning activities. In this way, we aim to make communities safer, better prepared and more resilient.
The project will involve at least 500 direct beneficiaries, including school-age children and adolescents, young volunteers, teachers and school club coordinators, parents, women's groups and other community members. We plan to involve at least 5 schools.
The project will run for 12 months, with activities scheduled to begin in January 2027. The first activity will take place in Ghana and will bring together the project's three partners and stakeholders who will meet to officially launch the project.
Subsequently, activities will begin with risk mapping in the communities, workshops and seminars dedicated to flood prevention, and the planning of practical activities in consultation with partners and stakeholders in Ghana.
At the end of the activities, we will also leave the communities with a supply of protective clothing and equipment needed to continue carrying out cleaning operations safely.
Reaching 6.000 € means much more than supporting a
project: it means opening up new possibilities.
Thanks to this initial milestone IOM
Italy will be able to
provide an additional 60.000 € in funding, allowing us to reach more
communities, involve more girls, boys and young people, and implement concrete
actions to prevent flood damage.
The diaspora is not just a community that supports Ghana from afar. It is a community that takes care of its own home. But this challenge concerns us all.
Whether you live in Ghana, are part of the diaspora or simply believe in the importance of protecting people and preventing disasters, you can help make a difference.
With your help, we want to prepare young people and communities to face risks before they turn into emergencies, through training, awareness-raising, tools and concrete interventions in areas most vulnerable to flooding.
Your contribution does not have to be large to make a difference.
Every contribution counts.
Help us turn €6,000 into prevention, preparedness and safety.
Support GhanaVi. Donate today. Get someone involved.
Together, we can help make communities safer and more resilient.
Ghanaian Nationals Association of Vicenza: brings together people of Ghanaian origin and friends of the Ghanaian community in Vicenza and the surrounding province. It promotes a united, inclusive and active community through social, cultural, educational and sporting initiatives, encouraging participation and collaboration with local organizations. Its motto, “Unity is Strength – L’unione fa la forza”, reflects its commitment to turning collaboration into opportunities and positive impact.
Ghana Youth Environmental Movement: organization committed to strengthening the role of young people in Ghana. Through training, participation and community activities, it provides young people with opportunities to develop skills, make their voices heard and actively contribute to decisions and initiatives that shape the future of their communities.
Buz Stop Boys: group of volunteers committed to cleaning streets, drainage channels and public spaces in Accra and beyond. Founded in 2023, they engage local volunteers in practical cleaning and awareness-raising activities, helping keep urban spaces cleaner and reduce the risks associated with waste accumulation and blocked drainage systems.
Working Together for Prevention
The three organizations bring together communities, young people and volunteers, creating a bridge between the diaspora and local communities in Ghana. Their collaboration combines training, awareness-raising and practical action to help make communities better prepared, safer and more resilient in the face of flood risks.
GHANAVI APS – ASSOCIAZIONE DEI CITTADINI GHANESI DI VICENZA Unity is Strength – L’unione fa la forza Chi siamo La Ghanaian Nationals Association of Vicenza (GhanaVi APS) è un’associazione che riunisce cittadini di origine ghanese e amici della comunità ghanese che vivono a Vicenza e nei comuni della provincia. GhanaVi nasce dalla volontà di costruire una comunità più unita, attiva e partecipe, dove le persone possano incontrarsi, condividere esperienze, sostenersi a vicenda e contribuire positivamente alla società. La nostra idea è semplice: quando una comunità è unita, può affrontare meglio le difficoltà, creare nuove opportunità e avere un impatto maggiore sul territorio. Per questo il nostro motto è “Unity is Strength” – L’unione fa la forza. Nel corso degli anni GhanaVi è diventata un punto di riferimento per molte persone e famiglie. Attraverso le nostre attività cerchiamo di creare occasioni di incontro, partecipazione, crescita e collaborazione, coinvolgendo non solo la comunità ghanese, ma anche altre comunità, associazioni, istituzioni e realtà del territorio. Il nostro impegno GhanaVi lavora per promuovere una comunità più inclusiva, informata, responsabile e attiva. Organizziamo e sosteniamo attività sociali, culturali, sportive ed educative e partecipiamo a progetti che affrontano temi importanti per le nostre comunità. Crediamo infatti che l'integrazione non significhi perdere la propria identità, ma condividere la propria cultura e le proprie competenze contribuendo allo stesso tempo alla società in cui si vive.
